Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government on new planning guidelines for wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13895/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set legally binding renewable energy targets for member states and Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020. As the most cost effective of the technologies available to Ireland and in keeping with the overarching objective of the Government’s energy policy, to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers, wind energy will make the largest contribution to our renewable energy target. The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, in consultation with my Department is conducting a targeted review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDGs) in relation to noise, shadow flicker and proximity.  In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment the finalised Guidelines will haveto offer a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects. The new planning guidelines will also be informed by best international practice. Minister Coveney and I updated Government on the matter in December 2016.

Furthermore, the issues of community benefit and participation are being considered and developed as part of this process. The proposed new Guidelines will be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and associated public consultation before they are finalised by Government.

Intensive engagement between the two Departments is ongoing in order to bring to completion the revision of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines as soon as possible.